Second Opinion Might Be First

I would like to share a discussion about second opinions, which took place in my peer support group recently.

We had a first-time visitor at our monthly gathering who had been diagnosed two weeks prior. The question he posed to those of us gathered around the table was: “Do you think I should get a second opinion?” Our local survivors unanimously agreed that seeking a second opinion is a good idea for anyone with a new diagnosis, but we also agreed it is not easy.

The primary reason I encourage second opinions circulates around my concept that stopping cancer is like making a good tiramisu. Go to five different Italian restaurants, and I promise you will find five different tiramisu recipes. Some are firm, while others require a dish to hold their shape. Most are good only in the moment they are served, but a few may lend themselves to freezing for enjoyment at a point in the future. Such is the case with treating cancer. While there is a collective agreement on the ingredients and combinations which are most effective in fighting each form of cancer, each doctor or hospital might have their own special sauce which could be appealing to you, or unappealing given your circumstances. In the case of young adults, we agreed that defeating the disease is of equal importance to preserving the quality of life for the person who has to live in that body for many decades after the conclusion of treatment. So for that reason alone, it is important to interview more than one oncologist or cancer center to find out what you can expect after they send you home.

Some will avoid getting a second opinion, under the assumption that you are somehow being disrespectful to your doctor. Whether that is true or not, I like to believe that unlike an ex, your oncologist will still treat you with dignity and respect, even after you have slipped away for a weekend to see what someone else can offer.

Lastly, we agreed that the actual logistics of getting a second opinion, at first, seems to be a formidable task wrought with red tape, perhaps even more difficult than canceling a gym membership. There are the questions of where do you go, and what do you ask for? You likely found your first oncologist because your primary care physician sent you there, but you are flying solo with a second opinion. Our advice was wrapped up in these key points:

1. Start your search with the 69 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers found here. Click on the center closest to you and there will be a phone number for new patient inquiries.

2. Don’t think you are wasting an oncologist’s time by getting a second opinion. Even if you choose not to get your treatment from the doctor who consults with you, he or she may be interested in following your case for research data.

3. You are not trying to prove or disprove your original diagnosis. The goal is to find the best course of treatment for your particular case.

In addition to these points, we also agreed that keeping copies of lab work, pathology reports, and scans was good for our own record keeping, and also provided a solid starting point if we ever felt the urge to consult with another doctor after treatment had begun.